They made the remarks during a prayer meeting bringing together Rwandan representatives and members of the US Congress on November 10, 2026, aimed at further strengthening relations between the two countries.
Congressman Trent Kelly said Rwanda and President Paul Kagame held a special place in the partnership between the two countries.
“Rwanda is a special country, and President Kagame is a special person. He does many things that benefit not only Rwanda but the whole of Africa. What we need to do is stand by our great friends around the world. When we have people doing the right things, in the right way and with the right heart, we need to invest in them,” he said.
He added: “I always enjoy saying that Rwanda is a friend, and that will continue to be the case.”
Kelly’s remarks were echoed by other American officials who attended the event. They said relations with Rwanda should continue to be strengthened, building on the country’s achievements and the shared interests of both nations.
Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, said his visit to Rwanda had changed his previous perception of the country.
He explained that before visiting, much of what he knew about Rwanda came from films. However, after witnessing the functioning of its institutions, the determination of its people and respect for the rule of law, he came away with a different impression.
“When you go there and see how organised everything is, how people work and how the law is respected… all those things we look for in a partner anywhere in the world, I found them there,” he said.
Guthrie added that whenever someone tells him they want to explore opportunities in Africa, he advises them to visit Rwanda.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, thanked members of Congress for their continued support in strengthening bilateral relations, highlighting the role of the two countries’ legislatures in advancing their shared interests.
“To the members of Congress joining us this morning, we are grateful for your leadership, friendship and continued commitment to strengthening the relationship between our two countries,” she said.
Rwanda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Usta Kaitesi, said the United States had remained one of Rwanda’s partners throughout its journey of rebuilding and advancing innovation.
“We are deeply grateful to our partners here in the United States who have played a role in rebuilding our country and our people,” she said.
The meeting highlighted the commitment of both sides to maintaining a relationship built on cooperation, shared opportunities and the advancement of the interests of their respective populations.
